While runway shows of the high-fashion brands are certainly fun to watch, I love attending fashion week presentations of brands I can actually afford. Last week, I got to stop by and check out the Banana Republic Fall 2016 presentation, and it was awesome! Not only was it full of chic office separates and weekend staples, but the styling gave me a ton of ideas for putting together my own outfits.

My favourite pieces included the white shearling peacoat (that I’ll be stalking next fall because it’s perfect), the floral maxi dress (both fun and versatile), adorable scalloped hem pencil skirt, classic velvet ankle booties, and that amazing red pant-suit. And the best part is that I will be able to afford these pieces when they hit the stores! What are your favourite pieces from this collection? Share in the comments!

Holiday season is upon us, which means lots of parties and party outfits to plan. In case you are stumped for fun outfit ideas this year, here are my top three looks for three occasions that are super easy to pull off and that will have you looking festive this holiday season. Find these pieces at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

1. Office Holiday Party
When dressing for your work holiday party, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Even with the ever-relaxing office dress codes, you don’t want to be the subject of office gossip the day after the big event. As such, put away that lame mini dress, and grab that trusty LBD instead. To dress up your look, put on some statement jewelry, throw your essentials into a sequined clutch, and wear the cutest shoes you’ve got. This look is all about accessories, so choose yours wisely.

2. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This one’s pretty much impossible to screw up. Obviously, the key piece in your ensemble will be the Ugly Christmas Sweater (and there are a ton to choose from out there), but don’t dismiss the rest of your outfit! To make your look really stand out, put on a pair of reindeer ears or a Santa hat, wear some red and white striped tights, and a sequined skirt instead of jeans – the tackier the better. You’ll be the life of the party in no time.

3. New Year’s Eve Party
They say the way you spend NYE is the way you’re going to spend the rest of the year, so for me, the sparklier my party outfit, the sparklier the upcoming year…questionable logic, I know…but just go with it. With that in mind, sequins, lame, glitter, embroidery, and bright colours are all fair game. I am particularly fond of stars, so this sequined frock paired with the silveriest boots ever are just what the doctor prescribed. You can’t tell here, but I also sprayed my hair with silver glitter hairspray from Shoppers, because if not on NYE, when else can you have glitter in your hair without judgment?!

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve always been very fond of the Finnish design house Marimekko. Their vibrant colours and iconic patterns are the definition of fun, and when I heard that Banana Republic was teaming up with Marimekko to create a collection, I was stoked! A few months ago I actually got a glimpse at the collection in person, but was not allowed to share what I saw…until now. Now that the lookbook is officially out, I can finally share my excitement about this collab…because I honestly want so many pieces! For budgetary reasons I won’t be buying everything my heart desires, but that full skirt, black and white pants, floral matchy-matchy top and shorts, blue maxi, and a floral blue and green dress must be mine!

The collection is priced moderately, with apparel ranging from $50-$175, and accessories from $69.50-$98. And since I’m currently packing for a much-needed vacation, I am super excited that the 25-piece collection will be hitting the stores on May 22nd, just in time for me to snag a piece of five.

What do you think about the Banana Republic Marimekko Collection? Share your favourite pieces in the comments!

Though it certainly doesn’t feel like it, May is here, and with it – Mother’s Day! If you still haven’t figured out what to buy for your mom, as usual, we have some ideas to help you in your search. From a personalized leather tote, to a fancy perfume, to a bottle of delicious bubbly, to a pair of comfy pajamas, there’s something for every mom (and every budget) on our list.

What will you be picking up for your mom this year? Share in the comments!

The weather is finally warming up a bit, which means…I refuse to wear socks! I’ve been saving these amazing Banana Republic Sloan pants for a while, hoping to finally pull them out of my closet and wear them with some pretty shoes, and I finally FINALLY can! Sloan pants are simply perfect for post-winter body blahs, with just enough stretch and give to keep you feeling comfortable, while looking cute. I also adore the variety of prints and colours that these are available in – from leopard print, to windowpane, to stripes. Perfect pants for work and play, polished and flattering!

If you haven’t tried these on yet, make sure to stop by Banana Republic and give them a whirl! Oh, and if you’re not a pants-person, Sloan collection also has dresses and skirts in the same comfy fabric. You’re welcome!

I wore this peppy combo last week while filming Styled By Nelia at Yorkdale. After being incredibly bored with the contents of my closet, I reached for an oldie/goodie pair of yellow floral pants and my new “goes with everything” striped tee from Ann Taylor. If there’s such a thing as a perfect spring outfit…this one’s mine. My secret hope is that if I dress like it’s spring, spring will be here sooner. Makes perfect sense to me, so just go with it. Also, you’ll owe me one when it will hit +20 degrees next week thanks to my floral pants. You’re welcome.

It’s no secret that cutesy prints are my thing. So it’s no big surprise that I’m all over the new Banana Republic L’Wren Scott collaboration! Not only is this capsule collection chock-full of gorgeous holiday-ready dresses and separates (sparkly cardi, anyone?), but the whimsical prints are making my heart race. Lip-print PJs, purses, blouse, and skirt? Umm, yes, please! So pretty and so fun.

If you’ve been drooling over L’Wren Scott’s glam frocks, now is the time to stock up on a few at a fraction of the price. The collection is comprised of more than 50-pieces of apparel and accessories for women ranging in price from $20 to $240 and will be available at Banana Republic retail locations worldwide, and online at www.bananarepublic.ca on December 5th.

What do you think of Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection? Share in the comments!

When I was asked to style my version of the Canadian Tuxedo for MasterCard Stylicity, I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if I was up for the challenge. I mean, yes, of course I own a chambray shirt or two, and my closet is full of denim…but the idea of wearing the two together has never been my idea of a chic outfit…not on me. But surprisingly, once I added a bejewelled sweatshirt from Banana Republic and a pretty white necklace from M for Mendocino, my Canadian Tuxedo actually became very me. Mission accomplished!

But here’s the best part – MasterCard would like to see YOUR version of the Canadian Tuxedo. Simply Tweet or Instagram a photo of yourself using the hashtag #Stylicity and you will be entered to win a $2000 prepaid MasterCard. Super easy! And it doesn’t even have to be denim on denim, so get creative! More details HERE. Good luck!

It’s that time of the year again – World MasterCard Fashion Week is ON in Toronto, and so is Stylicity! I am really happy to be back (for the third time!) as a Stylicity blogger for Yorkville, and would love to share with you the amazing deals that are on for the next two weeks in that fashionable and fun neighbourhood. From October 18th to November 3rd, you can get exclusive savings at over 125 of Toronto’s hottest retailers and restaurants when you shop with your MasterCard!

Some of my favourite Yorkville boutiques and restaurants are participating in Stylicity this season, and that means that you have a chance to snag some great deals on food, fashion, and spa treatments too! Get 20% off your purchase at Aime Luxury, Cole Haan, The Cashmere Shop, Rac Boutique, Raindrops, MoRoCo Chocolat, M for Mendocino, and more! Receive a gift with purchase at Avec Plaisir, Capezio, Eres, and Sunglass Hut. Or enjoy a special prix fixe menu at Annona Restaurant, and The Living Room in the Windsor Arms Hotel.

I don’t know about you, but I already picked up some delicious cassis macarons from MoRoCo (20% off!), bought a few fun things at Banana Republic and M for Mendocino (stay tuned for an outfit post!), and I still have two more weeks left to enjoy the deals…and so do you! For the full list of participating retailers, please visit worldmastercardfashionweek.com/Stylicity/offers, and enjoy the perks of being a MasterCard cardholder!

Awesome news, lovelies! Banana Republic has just announced an exciting new holiday collaboration with designer/stylist/model/Mick Jagger’s girlfriend, the one and only – L’Wren Scott! Known for her uber-glamorous designs, Scott has loyal fans among the likes of Nicole Kidman and SJP, and now, you and I will be able to add a piece or two of L’Wren Scott’s beautiful creations to our wardrobes! Hooray!

Clothes from the collection will be priced from $39.50 to $165, while accessory prices will range $39.50 to $198. That’s not too shabby for pieces made from luxe fabrics like brocade, velvet, and sequins! And judging from the sneak peek sketches (and one photo) released, I can already say that I’m a fan! I mean, that lip bag? Adorable, non?!

The capsule launches at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online December 5, 2013. Are you excited? Share in the comments.

WHAT I WORE

WHO IS NELIA?

Nelia Belkova is a Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blogger by night and a financial analyst by day. She loves to travel, read gossip sites, eat sweets, and cuddle up to her husband and her cat on the couch. Read More…